Q: Where is the Police Department located?
A: The Virginia Gardens Police Department is centrally located
just two (2) block North of State Road 948 (NW 36 Street) and
one (1) block East of Ludlam Road (NW 67 Avenue), at 6498 North
West 38 Terrace, Virginia Gardens, Florida 33166.

Q: What is the mailing address and FAX
number at the Police Department?
A: The mailing address is: 6498 NW 38 Terrace, Virginia Gardens,
Fl 33166. The FAX number is: (305) 871-7174.

Fingerprint
and ID Questions:

Q: I would like to get my child fingerprinted and photographed
through the Police Department. What can I do?
A: The Virginia Gardens Police Department has a Kid Print program
that includes a photo, fingerprints, and an information card.
This service is free of charge for residents. All you need to
do is call and set up an appointment.

Q: Does the Police Department provide
a fingerprinting service for the public?
A: Yes. Every Tuesday and Thursday between 2:30PM and 4:30PM the
public can be fingerprinted (at the first floor) of the police
station. The fee is $10.00 per card and you must bring your own
fingerprint card, we will not provide one. For Virginia Gardens
residents the fee is only $5.00.

Q: Will the Police Department issue
me an ID card?
A: No. We recommend that you obtain an identification card issued
by the State of Florida.

Witness Questions:

Q: What should I do if I witness criminal
activity or if I am a victim of a crime in Virginia Gardens?
A: First, make sure you are safe. Then, contact the police. If
possible, make written notes of what you have seen, including
descriptions, times, and locations, while your memory is still
fresh. If the situation is an emergency, call 911. If it is not
an emergency, call the Virginia Gardens Police Department directly
at (305) 871-3141. Follow the directions and answer the questions
being asked by the police or emergency call taker. Remain calm.
It may be necessary for the police officer to speak to you directly.
Be prepared to meet the officer or provide a contact phone number.

Q: Sometimes in my neighborhood, I see
things that are out of place and unusual, such as suspicious people
and/or vehicles. I don`t feel comfortable calling the police.
Will you tell me about the reporting procedure?
A: At any given time, there are officers on the street. We, the
Virginia Gardens Police Department, count on our citizens to alert
us about unusual situations. Anytime someone calls, a dispatcher
will take the information, ask questions, decide on what/whom
to send, and the urgency of the call. We will respond to every
call for service, though obviously, calls of less priority may
take some time if all officers are tied up. You may report a crime
and remain anonymous.

Q: What makes a person or a vehicle
"suspicious?"
A: What "suspicious" is, is a subjective decision on
the part of the caller. Manner of dress, for example, may indicate
a workman hired by a resident, while an actual burglar may be
attired in a 3-piece-suit. A person apparently loitering for some
length of time, peering into cars, on private property attempting
to find concealment would be suspicious. It is up to the caller
to make that decision, acting on the "better safe than sorry"
principle.

Police Response Questions:

Q: How soon are you going to get an
Officer here?
A: Calls are rated by priority and arrival time depends on the
seriousness of the call and the number of available units. Every
call has a pre-programmed priority when it is routed to the dispatcher
and the priority can be bumped up if additional information warrants
it.

Q: Why did it take so long for the police
to arrive when I called them?
A: All requests for police services are assigned by priority,
based on the seriousness of the incident and the potential for
injury or damage to property. At times, calls of less urgent nature
must be delayed so that we may respond immediately to emergencies.

Jail/Prison Questions:

Q: How can I find out if someone is
in jail, when visiting hours are, or additional information about
the jail?
A: The Virginia Gardens Police Department does not have a jail,
we only hold arrestees temporarily for the purpose of completing
paperwork. For jail information you may call Miami-Dade County
Corrections at 305-545-4004 (DCJ) or 305-470-7600 (TGK).

Q: How can I find out if someone is
in prison, when visiting hours are, or additional information
about the prison?
A: Visit the Florida Department of Corrections on the web or contact
the Everglades Correctional Institute at 305-228-2000.

Calling the Police Questions:

Q: When I call the police, what information
should I have ready to give them?
A: The information needed will vary based on what is being reported.
The following is a list of questions that could be asked when
you call for police service. Not all questions would be applicable
to every call. The Communications Operator is going to want to
know:
1. What is occurring or has occurred?
2. The location of occurrence?
3. Your name and phone number? (anonymous calls are accepted)
4. Your location, if different from location of occurrence?
5. The time of occurrence?
6. Are there any injuries?
7. Is anyone intoxicated?
8. Are there weapons involved?
9. How many people are involved?
10. What are the descriptions of people involved? (start from
the top, i.e., gender, race, hair color, eye color, height, weight,
scars/tattoos, clothing)
11. What is the description of the vehicles involved? (tag, color,
make, model, year)
12. What was the direction of travel for anyone leaving the scene
on foot or in a vehicle?
13. Are there any witnesses? Are they still on the scene?
14. Are there any animals at the house? Inside or outside?
15. Is the location fenced? Are there any clotheslines or pools?
16. Has anyone been outside?
(Questions 14 - 16 are necessary for the safety of approaching
officers. Also, if police K-9's are used, this information will
assist in effectively deploying the police dogs.)

Q: Can I make a police report at any
time of day or do I need an appointment?
A: The police department will respond 24 hours a day, seven days
a week to requests for police assistance in our Village. However,
we do not respond to delayed reports.

Q: Can I make a police report over the
phone or does a police officer have to come to my house?
A: Reports will not be taken over the telephone. We require that
you respond to the police station or a police officer be sent
to your location. We will not respond to calls outside of our
jurisdiction.

Property Questions:

Q: What is needed to claim property,
which was stolen from me and recovered by the police department?
A: All that is needed is a copy of the police report listing the
stolen property and a state issued picture identification that
identifies you as the person who made the report.

Q: Why does the police department sometimes
hold a person's property when someone responsible for stealing
it is arrested?
A: It is sometimes necessary to hold property as evidence in case
it is needed at trial. We try to photograph property whenever
possible and return it to the owner.

Police Report Questions:

Q: How long must I wait for a copy of
my police report?
A: Copies are provided upon request, and upon payment for copies.
Depending on the nature of the police investigation and case management
review, reports are available in as little as five business days
but can extend longer. Requests are replied to in the order they
are received. You may call the Records Section at (305) 871-3141
or write to Virginia Gardens Police Records Department, 6498 NW
38 Terrace, Virginia Gardens, Florida 33166. Copy fees are based
on the Florida public records law.

Q: How can I get a copy of my report?
A: There are two ways to receive a report copy. If you come to
the police station, and the report is available, you can get it
immediately by paying 15 cents per page from the records clerk.
Most reports run two pages. You can also request a report in writing;
however, we do not accept checks. Send the letter along with a
money order to the Virginia Gardens Police Department, 6498 NW
38 Terrace, Virginia Gardens, Florida 33166, ATTN: Records Unit.
Delivery time is approximately five to ten days.

Court Order Questions:

Q. Who do I have to call and where do
I to get a restraining order?
A. Restraining orders may be obtained at any of the following
courthouses:

Q: How do I have someone evicted?
A: Evictions in Miami-Dade County are handled by the Miami-Dade
Police Department. The Virginia Gardens Police Department does
not handle eviction orders. However, before you can have someone
evicted you must file a landlord/tenant action with the Miami-Dade
Clerk of Courts.
Landlord and Tenant actions are tried under the Rules of Civil
Procedure and they must be filed in the geographical district
wherein the rental property is located. In Landlord and Tenant
cases, the Clerk's Office will not assist with preparation for
filing or give legal advice. For eviction filing and procedures,
see Florida Statues, Chapter 83 which covers Landlord and Tenant
Actions, Evictions, Rents Due and Owing, Security Deposits, etc..
In order to file an eviction with the Clerk's Office, respond
in person to one of the County Courthouses listed below:

For more information on landlord/tenant actions
visit the Miami-Dade Clerk of the Courts Web Site

General Information Questions:

Q: How many police officers does Virginia Gardens have?
A: The Virginia Gardens Police Department began as a one man department
in 1947 and now has more than 22 sworn officers on the department.

Q: What is the difference between a
police officer and a detective?
A: A detective is a plain-clothes police officer responsible for
the follow-up investigation of crimes and incidents. A uniformed
patrol officer responds to and handles the initial investigation
of calls for police service. The detective continues the investigation
started by the patrol officer but may also initiate specialized
investigations directly assigned to the detective unit. In Virginia
Gardens, a patrol officer and a detective are of equal rank.

Q: Why do two officers respond to alarm
calls?
A: The possibility that a perpetrator is still on the premises
demands that two officers respond for their safety. Even when
the alarm holder advises an alarm company that an alarm was accidental,
and provides a proper code, he/she may be doing so under duress.

Q: Do I have to wait 24 hours before
making a Missing Persons call?
A: Not necessarily. If the victim is a juvenile or endangered
in some way, we take the call immediately. If the victim is an
adult and suspicious circumstances do not exist, we recommend
that you wait 24 hours.

Q: Will the Virginia Gardens Police
Department respond if I lock my keys in my car?
A: Unless there is an immediate danger to public safety (i.e.,
a child is locked inside), you will be asked to contact a towing
company or a locksmith. If the vehicle is running and creating
a hazard, or if a child is locked in the car, the Miami-Dade Fire
Rescue Department will respond, along with an officer, if necessary.
Virginia Gardens Police Officers do not respond to routine lock-outs;
we will respond to animals locked in a car if the windows are
closed and the situation could constitute animal cruelty.

Q: Why is there a police helicopter
flying above my house or over my neighborhood?
A: The Miami-Dade County Police Department must obtain air clearance
from the airport tower before attempting to fly over MIA airport
airspace. Officer/Pilots often fly in areas of the county looking
from above for illegal activity or situations requiring attention
that otherwise may not be observed by an officer on the ground.
The Miami-Dade Police Aviation Units also assist other law enforcement
agencies throughout the county in searching for suspects, missing
persons, stolen cars, etc. The helicopter flying above your house
or in your neighborhood may be doing any of the aforementioned
activities. Generally, if a crime has been committed in your area,
or if someone is missing you will see patrol cars in the area
as well. In any case, if in doubt lock your doors and stay inside.
If you observe anything or anyone suspicious call the police department
and advise them what you have witnessed.

Q: I keep getting theses annoying "hang
up" phone calls, when nothing is ever said. It is driving
me crazy! What can I do?
A: Call the Police Department. We will have an officer respond
to talk with you and assess the situation. The Police Department
may also be able to stop the problem just by talking with the
person responsible for making the calls, or we will prosecute,
if necessary.

Q: Should I install a burglar alarm
in my home?
A: Having an alarm system is a matter of personal choice. Some
people consider an alarm to be a deterrent to would-be thieves.
Others feel that the alarm gives them security when they are home
or away. Alarms vary in cost, depending on the type of detection
system employed. Some components are readily available at home
improvement centers for do-it-yourself installation. Many licensed
alarm companies are listed in the phone book. We recommend that
alarm buyers get at least two bids for the same type of work and
ask for references. Make certain that training is given to everyone
who will use the alarm. False alarms waste police resources. A
Village electrical Permit may be required if the installation
on the alarm system includes electrical wiring.
b. Please register your alarm with the Police department so that
we may have your emergency contact number on file and respond
quickly with out delay.
c. After 10 false alarms, you will be billed $25.00 for every
false alarm thereafter within a 12 month period.

911 Questions:

Q: How does 911 work?
A: All 911 calls made from the Village of Virginia Gardens are
first received at the Miami-Dade County Central Dispatch Center.
This center ascertains if the caller needs police, fire, or medical
assistance. If fire, rescue, or medical services are needed, their
staff dispatches the appropriate apparatus. If police service
is required, the call is transferred to the on-duty police personnel
via radio dispatch. For this reason, if you need police and dial
911 you will first speak to a 911 operator before a Virginia Gardens
Police Officer will respond. This occurs in most law enforcement
agencies within Miami-Dade County and is sometimes confusing to
the caller.

Q: How does 911 prioritize calls?
A: All calls requiring a police response are assigned a priority.
Priorities range from "1" to "3", "3"
being the highest and "1" the lowest. While we understand
that all callers believe their call is important, in the interest
of public safety, we must have a method for determining what call
should be dispatched first. While you are speaking to a call taker,
he or she is entering your information into a computer. This information
is transmitted to the appropriate dispatcher, who will in turn
dispatch the police to the required location.
Priority 2 or 3 calls require a police response and are generally
dispatched immediately. As information is being obtained from
callers of an "in progress" or "high priority"
incident, that information is simultaneously disseminated to the
responding officers by the dispatcher.
Priority 1 calls are lower priority calls and may be an hour or
longer for a police response, depending on call activity in the
Village at the time.

Q. How is my 911 call processed?
A. The Miami-Dade Police Department Dispatch Center receives the
911 call and transfers the information to the Virginia Gardens
Police Department via radio dispatch. The enhanced 911 System
allows the dispatcher to retrieve the telephone number and address
information from the computer in case the caller is disconnected
from the Telecommunications Operator.

Q: Why do they ask so many questions
when I call the police?
A: Telecommunications Operators are trained to get as much information
as possible to best determine the nature of the problem and its
seriousness. On emergency calls, the operator has already sent
the information to the officer while asking additional questions.

Q: Can I have a tape made of my 911
call?
A: Yes, but you will be charged based on the time it takes to
make your tape. Contact the Miami-Dade Police Department Communication
Bureau at (305) 596-6263 and be very specific as to the date and
time of the call.

Traffic Questions:

Q: What are the laws or regulations
on car restraints for children?
A: Florida State Statute 316.613 states that if any child is 3
years of age or younger and transported in a motor vehicle, they
shall be properly restrained in a separate carrier (child seat).
After reaching 4 years of age, children may be secured with a
crash-tested, federally approved child restraint device (seat
belt).

Q: How can I get someone's vehicle towed?
A: If the vehicle is on your property, call a towing service of
your choice and notify the police department.

Q: What are the driving curfews for
juveniles?
A: Any person who holds a drivers license and is under 17 years
of age, when operating a motor vehicle after 11:00pm and before
6:00am, must be accompanied by a driver, 21 years of age or older,
who holds a valid license to operate the type of vehicle being
operated unless the juvenile is driving directly to or from work.
A person who holds a drivers license who is 17 years of age, when
operating a motor vehicle after 1:00am and before 5:00am, must
be accompanied by a driver, 21 years of age or older, who holds
a valid license to operate the type of vehicle being operated
unless the juvenile is driving to or from work.

Q: What should I do if a police officer
stops me while I'm driving?
A: You should decrease your speed and use your signal to indicate
which way you intend to pull over (always pull to the right if
at all possible). You should try to pull out of the way of traffic
and leave enough room so that the police vehicle behind you is
also able to get out of traffic. If you are pulled over at night,
try to stop in a well-lit area. Turn on your dome light and keep
your hands on the steering wheel. Do not begin collecting your
documents before being told to do so and do not exit your vehicle
unless asked by the officer. Stay calm and provide the information
requested by the officer relative to your driver's license, registration
and insurance card. Answer questions without embellishment or
storytelling. Please do not reach under the seat, into the glovebox,
etc., without telling the officer what you are doing. Remember,
the officer does not know who you are or what your intentions
are.

Q: Where do I go to pay a traffic citation?
A: When issuing a citation, the officer will provide an envelope
from the court with instructions on how to respond to the citation.
Payment locations vary, depending on the type of citation and
where it was issued.
Civil infractions, (moving and non moving violations) are payable
in person or through the mail at the Clerk Of County Courts, Richard
E. Gerstein Justice Building 1351 NW 12th Street, Room 124, Miami,
Florida 33125.
Criminal traffic violations require a court appearance on the
date set by the County Courts. Drivers issued criminal citations
will be notified by mail to appear in court approximately 30 to
35 day following the date of issue.

Q. How can I contest a ticket?
A: If you receive a ticket that you feel was unjustified or because
of circumstances beyond your control, you may contest your ticket
in court.
B: You may call the Clerk of County Courts (305) 275-1111 to request
a court date and obtain more information.
C: You may also complete a Request for Trial Form found inside
the envelope provided by the officer.
D: For additional information on traffic citations and traffic
court, visit the Clerk's web page www.miami-dadeclerk.com.

Q: What should I do if involved in a
traffic crash?
A: When you are involved in a traffic crash you should stop and
remain at the scene. If possible you should move your vehicle
off the roadway. There is NO law in Florida that prohibits you
from moving your vehicle out of the roadway after a crash; in
fact, the law REQUIRES you to do so, if possible. Have someone
call the police at (305) 871-3141 or 911 if there are injuries,
and report the crash. Due to the mix of municipalities and unincorporated
areas in Miami-Dade County, you may be asked questions in order
to determine exactly what jurisdiction the crash occurred in.
Do not get into an argument with the other drivers involved.

Q: What should I do if I witness a crash?
A: If you witness a crash in Virginia Gardens, stop on the side
of the road, if possible, and stay there until the police can
arrive. If you are not able to remain at the scene, you should
call the police communications center at (305) 871-3141 or 911
if there are injuries, and advise the operator that you have witnessed
the crash. The operator will forward your name and contact information
to the investigating officer.

Q: I have been involved in an accident.
Do I need to file a report?
A: If you are involved in a crash wherein total damage is less
than $500.00, it is not necessary to report the accident, however,
you should exchange driver information among the parties involved
in the accident.

B: If you are involved in a crash with total
damage of more than $500.00 (all vehicles or property) and there
are no injuries, or criminal charges and vehicles are drivable,
you are required to obtain a white crash form from any Police
Department, Florida Highway Patrol, or Sheriff's Office. The form
should be completed with the applicable information for all vehicles
involved and mailed to Tallahassee (address on the form) with
a copy to your insurance company.

C: If you have been in a crash involving injury,
a drunk driver, a hit and run (with the suspect's information),
or if your vehicle is disabled requiring a tow, you should notify
the police agency having jurisdiction where the crash occurred
for a report to be completed. If the cars are interfering with
traffic flow and can be moved, then you must move them out of
the roadway.

Q: I observed a reckless driver. Can
I report him?
A: We encourage you to report DUI and reckless drivers. To aid
us in locating this violator we will need as much information
as possible, such as a description of the vehicle (and driver,
if possible), a tag number, direction of travel, and time lapse.
If you are calling on a cell phone while following this errant
driver, try to stay on the line. This will allow the dispatchers
to update responding units to the violator's location and direction
of travel. Never compromise your own safety or violate the laws
and rules of driving that apply to you as well as everyone else
on the road.

Q: My tag was stolen. Can I place a
paper tag on my vehicle until I get another one?
A: When your tag is stolen a police report is required. If you
know where the tag was stolen the report should be filed with
the agency in that jurisdiction. If you are uncertain where that
tag was taken, notify the agency having jurisdiction where the
tag is registered. The law does not allow for a home-made paper
tag to replace the lost or stolen tag in the interim of obtaining
a replacement. A vehicle without a tag cannot be driven on public
streets nor can a tag from another vehicle be used. The vehicle
should not be driven until the replacement tag is obtained and
attached.

Q. What can I do about speeding vehicles
on my street?
A: Call the Virginia Gardens Police Department at (305) 871-3141
and explain your situation. Your complaint will be noted and efforts
will be made to monitor the traffic in you area.

Q: How does traffic radar work?
A: A radar device sends out a radio signal that bounces off the
approaching vehicle and returns to the device. The speed of the
vehicle is displayed on the device in miles-per-hour to the operator.
The "radar" guns have built-in calibrating devices to
insure their accuracy. They are tested each day they are in use.

Q: I was involved in an accident and
left the scene. Can I still make a report?
A: If you were involved in an accident and left the scene, the
other party involved may have already made a report. If you are
in the Village of Virginia Gardens, contact 305-871-3141 and have
a police officer respond to investigate, otherwise, please call
911 (non-emergency) and explain your situation. You may be asked
for information to assist the accident investigation. If a report
was not made, you will be given instructions on how to obtain
and prepare a "driver report of traffic crash" for your
insurance company.

Code Enforcement
Questions:

Q: Where can I find a complete listing
of the Village's Ordinances?
A: You can find all of the Virginia Gardens Ordinances on the
web hosted by Municode.com. Visit their site at www.municode.com
and click "online codes" under "free resources."
You can also find information on our Ordinances by clicking here.

Q: What is the Village's Ordinance on
loud noises?
A: Virginia Gardens Code, Sec. 9-67, states that it shall be unlawful
for any person to make, continue or cause to be made or continued
any loud, excessive, unnecessary or unusual noise. The following
acts, among others, are declared to be loud, excessive, unnecessary
or unusual noises in violation of this section, but this enumeration
shall not be deemed to be exclusive:
(1) Radios, televisions, phonographs, musical instruments, etc.;

(2) Using, operating or permitting to be played,
used or operated any radio, television, musical instrument, phonograph,
stereo equipment, or other machine or device for the producing
or reproducing of sound in such manner as to disturb the peace
or quiet and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants in such manner
as to be audible by such neighboring inhabitants.

Q: Will police respond to noise complaints?
A: If you are willing to call in a complaint against the person
or persons that are creating the noise as defined in Sec. 9-67
of the Virginia Gardens Code of Ordinances, an officer will be
dispatched to address the complaint. In many cases, callers reporting
noise complaints prefer to remain anonymous. In those cases the
complaint will be dispatched to an officer to check in the course
of his duties. If the officer determines that the noise is a violation
under the ordinance, he/she will address the source of the noise.
If the noise has stopped by the time an officer arrives, no police
action can be taken.

Q: Will police respond to a call of
a barking dog?
A: An officer will be dispatched on the same basis as that of
a noise complaint (above). If the dog is a nuisance on a regular
basis, Miami-Dade County Animal Control should be contacted at
(305) 884-1101.

Q: What is the Village's Ordinance on
junk cars?
A: Virginia Gardens Code, Sec. 9-46 states that it shall be unlawful
for any person to keep or permit the keeping of a motor vehicle
which is not in operable condition, on a property in the Village,
which is zoned for residential, multi-family or commercial uses.
For the purposes of this section, a motor vehicle shall be deemed
not to be in operative condition if, among other things, it is
not equipped with headlights or tires, if its engine cannot be
started or if there is not a current license plate affixed, issued
by the state and such conditions have existed for a period of
seven days.

Q: Where can I find information on the
Village of Virginia Gardens Code of ordinances?
A: You can find them at, City Hall, and on our web site.

Q: Can I drink alcoholic beverages in
public areas within Virginia Gardens?
A: The consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed in public
areas. Open alcohol is not permitted on any public property in
the Village of Virginia Gardens. Please see Virginia Gardens Ordinance
Sec. 4-6 (b).

Q: How do I get information about the
Alarm Ordinance?
The purpose of the Alarm Ordinance is to encourage security alarm
users and alarm businesses to maintain the operational reliability
and the proper use of alarm systems thereby limiting unnecessary
police emergency responses to false alarms/alarm malfunctions.
You can find information about alarm ordinances by visiting www.municode.com
and click on "online codes" under "free resources."
You can also find information about our alarm ordinance by clicking
here.

For more information and assistance with code
violations, you may contact the following departments:

Call Code Enforcement: 305-871-3141
* If you observe a vehicle parked on private property that has
no tag or if the tag is expired.
* If you observe a residence with trash, garbage, furniture, abandoned
refrigerator with a door attached or other code violations.
* If you observe a neighbor repairing or building a structure
without a city permit.
Call Traffic Maintenance - Electrical Shop: 305-592-8925
* If a streetlight is out or very dim.
* If a streetlight needs to be installed to light up a dark area.
* Before calling, be sure to get a correct house number or the
number from the power pole.
Call Maintenance Department: 305-871-6104
* If bushes impede visibility and need to be trimmed away from
corners and streets.
* If trees need to be trimmed around streetlights or power lines.
Call Traffic Maintenance - Sign Shop: 305-592-0830
* If a street sign needs repaired, replaced, etc.
Call Traffic Maintenance: 305-596-8570
* If a street is in need of repair, potholes, etc.

Commendation/Complaint
Questions:

Q: How do I commend or complain about
a Virginia Gardens Police Officer or other employee?
A: We prefer that you start with the officer/employee's immediate
supervisor; in the case of a police officer, that would be their
Lieutenant. You may find out who the supervisor is by asking the
officer/employee or contacting the Village Clerk's Office at (305)
871-6104. You may also contact the Chief of Police during regular
business hours at (305) 871-3141. Correspondence may be addressed
to the attention of Chief of Police, at 6498 NW 38 Terrace, Virginia
Gardens, Florida, 33166.